Is Carrageenan safe in cosmetics?
Carrageenan has a safety rating of "GOOD" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Good
Cosmetic Ingredient
Carrageenan
Also known as: Poligeenane, Poligeenano, Poligeenanum
INCI: CARRAGEENAN
Carrageenan (CAS 53973-98-1) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Gelling Agent, Thickening Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former. EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted, max 15.7%. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 53973-98-1 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Gelling Agent, Thickening Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former
Safety Rating
GOOD
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
EU Max Conc.
15.7%
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
GRAS for food; cosmetic use widely permitted; no CIR restrictions
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Carrageenan.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
IARC Carcinogenicity
International Agency for Research on Cancer (WHO) monograph evaluation.
IARC Group
2B
Volume
31, Sup 7
Evaluation Year
1987
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body Lotion | 0.1–0.5 | 2 | CIR/VCRP |
| Toothpaste | 0.5–2 | 2 | CIR |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "9000-07-1", "anti_acne_mechanism": "anti_inflammatory", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "0-5", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_category": "No", "max_otc_concentration_pct": "No limit", "japan_quasi_drug_anti_acne": "No", "korea_functional_cosmetic_acne": "No", "eu_cosmetic_restriction_…
anti_aging
{"anti_aging_claim": "hydration-plumping, antioxidant-protection", "mechanism_of_action": "Humectant, water binding, barrier support", "target_skin_layer": "stratum corneum, epidermis", "collagen_stimulation": "No", "elastin_protection": "No", "wrinkle_reduction_pct": "6-12", "clinical_study_duration_weeks": "8", "sample_size": "30", "double_blind": "No", "placebo_controlled": "Yes", "published_jo…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "9000-07-1", "ingredient_class": "anti_pollution", "primary_mechanism": "film_forming_barrier", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_…
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "9000-07-1/9062-07-1", "ingredient_class": "thickener_baby_safe", "pediatric_safety_rating": "excellent", "minimum_age_months": "0", "neonatal_safe": "yes", "premature_infant_safe": "yes", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "Seaweed polysaccharide", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "very_low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Polymer non-absorbed", "skin_surface_ar…
biopolymer
{"cas_number": "9000-07-1", "polymer_class": "seaweed_polysaccharide", "botanical_source": "Chondrus crispus/Eucheuma/Gigartina", "molecular_weight_range_kDa": "100-1000", "monosaccharide_composition": "galactose/3,6-anhydrogalactose sulfate", "degree_of_branching": "linear", "charge_type": "anionic", "viscosity_1pct_solution_mPas": "5-800", "pseudoplastic_behavior": "moderate", "thixotropy": "wea…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "4", "irritancy_rating": "2", "skin_type_suitability": "dry", "acne_safe": "no", "source": "Seaweed derivative studies"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "mid-range", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "18", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "32", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "25", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "45", "supply_chain_volatility": "medium", "primary_source_region": "Philippines/Indonesia", "synthetic_vs_natural_cost_ratio": "2.0", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "100", "seasonal_price_variation": "medium", "commodity_or_s…
ecotoxicity
{"biodegradable": "yes", "biodegradation_days": "28-60", "bioaccumulative": "no", "aquatic_toxicity_level": "low", "coral_reef_safe": "yes", "marine_toxicity": "very low toxicity", "freshwater_toxicity": "minimal impact", "endocrine_disruptor": "no", "persistent_organic_pollutant": "no", "microplastic": "no", "nano_particle": "no", "hawaii_banned": "no", "eu_restricted_environmental": "no", "palm_…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory List Membership (1)
California Proposition 65 (OEHHA)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Carrageenan.
Regulatory Flags
heavy_metal_testing_required
marine_origin
distinguish_kappa_iota_lambda_on_spec
prop65
jecfa_safe
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Carrageenan by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
1
Lowest NOAEL
1656 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
1656 mg/kg bw/day
COSMOS_DB
Known Synonyms
Poligeenane
Poligeenano
Poligeenanum
Chemical Function
Softener and conditioner
Regulatory Lists
pharmaceutical
OEHHA Proposition 65 (3/2019)
OEHHA Proposition 65 (1/2023)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carrageenan allowed in the EU?
Carrageenan EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 15.7%. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Carrageenan do in cosmetics?
Carrageenan functions as: Gelling Agent, Thickening Agent, Emulsion Stabilizer, Film Former. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 53973-98-1.
Compliance Tools
Check Carrageenan compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
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82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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(ANGELICA GIGAS/GLYCYRRHIZA URALENSIS/REHMANNIA GLUTINOSA ROOT)/ANGELICA GIGAS STEM/CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS FLOWER/(CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS/PRUNUS PERSICA SEED)PORIA COCOS WATER
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Antioxidant
Hydrolyzed Carrageenan
Poor
Chemical family
Skin conditioning
CARBONIC ACID
Good
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Not Reported
CARPINUS BETULUS BUD EXTRACT
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Skin Conditioning
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